ABOUT US
The ideal YLS participant will be an adult who requires ongoing social, recreational, emotional and life skill development and who cannot and likely will not be able to live or work independently in their lifetime.
MISSION & HISTORY
On December 3, 2007, on the International Day of the Disabled, Yarmouth Life Skills opened its doors for the first time with 1 staff and 6 participants. A group of like-minded parents and caregivers came together to create a day program for their dependents.
Yarmouth Life Skills began in a small Church basement just outside of Yarmouth. The following February we moved to our current space overlooking Yarmouth Harbour. Within the first six months, our participant numbers doubled and we hired 3 more staff. Since then we’ve continued to grow and employ 10 staff. We serve 22 regular participants as well as casual participants who use our service on an as-needed basis.
In May 2011, thanks to the Enabling Accessibility Fund and the Community ACCESS-ability Grant Program we completed an extensive renovation doubling our space!
In August 2011, we became a recognized Adult Day Program.
Participants who attend YLS will require ongoing support to reach their full potential.
In 2023, we became the owners of our building on Hawthorne Street in Yarmouth.
VISION
Our program will provide supports to enhance the achievement of the participant's goals in the areas of life skills, social skills, recreation, community awareness and health. Our program is committed to providing a positive atmosphere to promote personal growth.
AWARDS
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Lieutenant Governors Person with Disabilities Employer Partnership Award - 2011 Regional Award of Excellence
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Nova Scotia Government Resolution – Recognition in the House of Commons for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award
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Waste Check 300 Award
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Chamber of Commerce – Community Award Runner Up – Honorable Mention
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Chamber of Commerce – Community Award Runner Up – Honorable Mention (two years in a row)